Engineering & Services
In the specialized world of semiconductor research, an "off-the-shelf" product rarely fits the exact contours of a cutting-edge experiment. Furthermore, the cost of downtime in a fabrication line or a grant-funded laboratory is measured in thousands of dollars per hour.
We view the delivery of a probe station not as the conclusion of a sale, but as the beginning of a technical partnership. Our Engineering Services division is structured to support the entire lifecycle of your asset—from the initial Custom Design (OEM/ODM) to Installation, and through decades of Maintenance and Calibration. Our commitment extends beyond hardware to encompass the expertise needed to maximize your investment in precision measurement technology.
Custom Engineering (OEM/ODM)
The Challenge: The "Standard Catalog" Limitation.
Research often pushes boundaries that standard catalogs cannot anticipate. You might be testing a flexible polymer substrate that cannot be held by a vacuum chuck, or you need to integrate a localized magnetic field generator that conflicts with standard microscope objectives. Standard solutions may lack the precise thermal uniformity, RF shielding, or positional accuracy required for your specific application, such as quantum dot characterization or high-frequency GaN device testing.
Our Solution: Design-to-Spec.
We maintain an agile in-house mechanical and electrical design team. We modify our core platforms to fit your physics, rather than forcing your experiment to fit our machine. Our process begins with a deep-dive consultation to understand your unique requirements, followed by rapid prototyping and iterative feedback loops. This ensures that the final product seamlessly integrates into your workflow and delivers the performance you need. Our capabilities span from modifying existing modules to creating entirely new subsystems tailored to your specifications.
Beyond Mechanics: Embedded Software & Control Integration.
Custom engineering often requires tight integration with your existing lab software. We offer full API development (Python, C#, LabVIEW) and can embed custom microcontrollers for automated sequencing—ideal for complex material characterization routines. Our custom software can manage multi-step testing protocols, trigger external instruments based on measurement events, and log data in formats compatible with your analysis pipelines. This level of integration transforms the probe station from a standalone tool into a core component of your automated test environment.
Custom chucks for non-standard geometries: Double-sided probing holders, PCB/Module clamps, and vertical mounting stages for optical edge-coupling.
Modification of dark boxes to include gas mixing ports, humidity control sensors, or vacuum load-locks for atmosphere-sensitive materials.
Case Study: Specialized Cryogenic Probing for Superconducting Circuits.
A leading university laboratory approached us to develop a probe station capable of testing superconducting qubits at millikelvin temperatures. Standard cryogenic systems lacked the precise positioning accuracy and low thermal drift required. Our team engineered a custom solution featuring ultra-low expansion ceramic stages, specialized cryogenic-compatible materials, and a novel heat-sinking probe arm design. The result was a system that enabled stable, high-fidelity measurements essential for their quantum computing research.
Installation & Training
The Goal: Accelerated "Time-to-Data".
A complex probe station sitting in a crate is a liability. Our goal is to get you measuring valid data within 48 hours of delivery. Our installation process is meticulous and comprehensive, ensuring optimal performance from day one. This includes precise environmental setup, rigorous hardware calibration, and thorough documentation handover.
Comprehensive Setup Process.
Our certified engineers begin with a pre-installation site survey to verify power, air, and space requirements. Upon arrival, they handle the physical setup, including anti-vibration table configuration, microscope optical alignment, and electrical connections. Crucially, they perform a series of factory-level calibrations to verify that the delivered system meets its original specifications under your local conditions.
Flexible Training Options: On-Site & Remote.
In addition to on-site installation, we offer comprehensive online training and video-guided sessions. Our engineers conduct live, interactive walkthroughs of setup, operation, and troubleshooting—perfect for quick refreshers or multi-site teams. Our training curriculum is tailored to your specific needs, whether you require basic operation for new technicians or advanced techniques like probe planarization and cryogenic handling for experienced researchers.
Site Prep & Install
We provide detailed facility requirement specs (Compressed Air/Vacuum/Power) pre-shipment. On-site, we handle leveling, vibration table tuning, and microscope alignment.
Operator Training
We don't just teach "button pushing." We train your team on probe landing physics, planarization techniques, and safety protocols for High Voltage/Cryogenic operation.
App Consulting
Our engineers stay to help you run your first actual device. We assist in setting up the software integration with your specific Analyzer (Keysight/Keithley).
Knowledge Transfer & Documentation.
Beyond hands-on training, we provide a complete set of documentation, including detailed operating procedures, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting guides. This ensures that knowledge is retained within your organization and serves as a reference for your team long after our engineers have departed.
Fig 1: From 3D Concept to CNC Machining – We build the fixtures that standard catalogs don't offer.
System Maintenance & Calibration
The Reality: Drift Happens.
Over thousands of thermal cycles and stage movements, mechanical tolerances can drift. To maintain ISO 9001 compliance and data integrity, regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Wear on components like probe needles, chuck seals, and motion bearings is inevitable. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected failures and ensuring consistent, reliable results over the system's lifetime.
Proactive Care Programs.
Our maintenance programs are designed around your operational schedule. We offer flexible plans, from annual preventative maintenance visits to more intensive quarterly checks for high-throughput environments. Each visit includes a detailed report of the system's health, any adjustments made, and recommendations for future upgrades or part replacements. This proactive approach minimizes unplanned downtime and maximizes the return on your investment.
Remote Diagnostics & Predictive Alerts.
For supported systems, we offer secure remote access for quick troubleshooting. Our predictive maintenance program uses logged data to alert you before a failure occurs—maximizing uptime. Our remote tools allow our engineers to diagnose software issues, update firmware, and configure settings without requiring an on-site visit, saving you time and travel costs.
| Service Level | Inclusions | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Preventative Maintenance (PM) | Cleaning, lubrication of lead screws, seal inspection, vacuum pump oil change. | Annual requirement for all systems to prevent wear. |
| Calibration Service | Verification of Stage Accuracy (Laser Interferometer), Thermal Chuck Uniformity mapping, and Leakage Current verification. | Labs requiring ISO/NIST traceable data certification. |
| Refurbishment | Retrofitting new microscopes, upgrading thermal chuck controllers, or replacing worn micro-positioners. | Extending the life of legacy equipment (10+ years old). |
Service FAQ
Do you service third-party probe stations?
What is the typical warranty period?
Can you integrate my existing Keysight B1500A?
Do you offer emergency on-site repair or remote diagnostics?
Can you upgrade the software/firmware on older probe stations?
Keep Your Lab Running at Peak Performance.
Whether you need a custom fixture design or an urgent calibration service, our engineering team is ready to deploy. Don't let equipment downtime delay your research.
Note: All AIMRSE probe systems and components are designed exclusively for professional semiconductor R&D and industrial testing. Equipment must be operated by trained personnel in accordance with standard laboratory safety protocols.
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